Comedian Justin Moorhouse officially opened the Christmas markets this morning, from their original home in St Ann’s Square.

He was joined by Manchester’s official Christmas spokesperson Pat Karney and trader Anja Manke who has set up her mulled wine stall in the square since the markets began 16 years ago.

The Stockport-based comic, who waved his fee for the chance to open the iconic Christmas attraction, was thrilled at the chance to be there.

He said: “Genuinely, I’m not getting paid to be here today. I just think they’re brilliant I love them. I just think they’re everything about Christmas and Manchester they’re brilliant. The whole place just smells different.

The comedian who appeared in Coronation Street earlier this year, said he loved the markets because they offered something for everybody.

He said: “This is a free attraction. I mean you can spend money obviously, that’s what the market’s for but you can browse, but a coffee, and just enjoy the music and the lights. It’s a really good attraction.

“I really like St Ann’s Square, but it changes every year and I’m excited that Market Street is involved now as well.”

Justin also let us in on what his market must-haves are.

“Once a year I eat mini pancakes, roast chestnuts and every year I burly a massive bag of nuts for the birds in my garden."

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While the rain dampened the morning for many would-be shoppers by lunch-time the weather had improved and Coun Karney, who apparently has a direct line to Father Christmas, did not appear concerned about the day’s soggy start.

Clearly delighted with the markets’ reception so far he said: “I’ve just been through Albert Square and it’s full of customers. It’s great, and already the seasonal atmosphere is starting.

“Never mind the weather - Mancunians are used to it. We make our own sunshine whatever the weather.”

(Image: Vince Cole)

Coun Karney said he was thrilled to finally have a market on Market Street - one of two new locations this year alongside Cathedral Gardens - adding that the busy shopping street could cope with the extra crowds.

“I’ve always wanted to have them on Market Street because Market Street always felt a bit detached before,” he said.

There are around 315 stalls this year across nine sites including the market’s original home in St Ann’s Square and the main hub in Albert Square.

Coun Karney insisted the markets still offer good value for money despite grumbles about price increases since they began 16 years ago.

He said: “If people don’t think it is good value, drop me a line and I’ll check it out. I don’t want anybody being fleeced or overcharged.”

But he added: “It has to be a bit pricey because people come from abroad and they bring all their commodities from abroad, and they stay in hotels in Manchester.

“But we also employ lots and lots of local people on the markets on a seasonal basis so it’s a win-win for Manchester.”

Justin Moorhouse with Pat KArney and Anja Manke

And trader Anja is clearly happy with the arrangement as she has been coming back to Manchester for the amrkets every since 1998.

She said: ““We started with a three metre stall selling Gluhwein with a water kettle and rinsing the glasses with out hands and now we have a real dishwasher and a bit more people working. It’s improved a lot.

“Manchester is a wonderful city. I like the people so much, it’s cultural. We have real friends here and everyone is always so happy to see us.